Dispenser



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 fnn..

H. D. FLEGEL DISPENSER Filed May 6. 1926 M lll Aug. 16, 1927.

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Aug- 16 1927' H. D. FLEGEL DISPENSER Filed May 6, 1926 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Aug. 16, y1927.

UNITED STATES 1,639,370 Perl-:NTV OFFICE.

HARRISON D. FLEGEL, OF RACINE, WISCONSIN, ASSIGNOR TO ARNOLD ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF RACINE, 'WISCONSIN, A CORPORATION OF WISCONSR.

DISPENSER.

My invention relates to dispensers and has a number of objects and advantages in view.

The dispenser of my invention is of particular service in delivering measured quantities of malted milk in dry form, although it is not to be limited to such use.

A dispenser constructed in accordance with one embodiment lof my invention includes a container having a horizontal bottom wall formed with'an upright discharge 4opening therethrough, a horizontal closure plate for said opening located below and engaging the container bottom, a horizontal measuring wheel above and in close proximity to the closure bottom and having teeth deining a succession of pockets communicable. in sequence, with the interior of the container and the discharge opening, and mechanism coupling said measuring wheel and closure and having one portion connected with and serving to move the measuring wheel horizontally in a uniform direction and another portion connected with said closure and serving to move this closure horizontally in an opening direction as each lled pocket is moved into register with said discharge opening and to thereafter move the closure in a closing direction. A dispenser thus constructed has its delivering mechanism and the closure for its discharge opening very compactly arranged so that the length of travel of any measured quantity of its contents undergoing discharge is reduced to a minimum within the structure of the dispenser, a characteristic which is especially important in dispensing malted milk which so readily absorbs moisture from the external air.

In accordance with another feature of my invent-ion, a swinging arm is coupled with the plate to turn it to its opened and closed positions. This arm is upwardly springpressed against the plate and there is a connection between the plate and arm that is in register with the discharge opening when the plate is closed and which connection is formed to permit universal swinging movement of the plate with reference to the arm to enable the plate to have full engagement with the margin of the discharge opening so that the opening is thoroughly sealed against the admission of moisture when the plate is in closed position. To prevent any of the container contents from adhering to the bottom of the container in the region of V1926. `serial No 107,071.

with to effect one measurement of the mate-l rial being discharged and movable away from the plane of rotary movement of the teeth to effect another measurement.

I will explain my invention more fully by reference to the accompanying drawings in which Fig. l is a side view of a dispenser as I preferably construct it; Fig. 2 is a plan view of the base portion of the dispenser, the displaceable part of the container being removed; Fig. 3 is a sectional view on line 3--3 of Fig. 2, the lower part of the displaceable part of the container being also illust-rated in this figure; Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 4-*4 of Fig. 5; Fig. 5 is a bottom view of the dispenser as it appears when removed from the supporting base that is shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a part of the structure; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the closure plate for the discharge opening and a portion of the operating arm therefor; Fig. 8 is a sectional view on line 8 8 of Fig. 5; and Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the structure which supports the removable container.

The upright cylindrical container 1 has a discharge opening 2 in its bottom wall 3. This opening has a closure in the form of an arcuate horizontal spring plate 4 carried on the exterior of the container upon an arm 5 through the intermediation of a pin 6 desrably carried by the plate 4, the lower end of the pin being rounded, and there received in a. socket 7 formed in the top side of the arm. The plate has st-irrups 4 that embrace the arm whereby the arm may move the plate. The arm is pressed upwardly against the pin by means of a coiled spring 8 which presses upwardly against the arm.v This spring desirably surrounds the shaft 5 being bottomed upon a washer 52 that is held in place by a nut 53.

A flat horizontal measuring wheel 9 is journaled upon the shaft 5. This wheel is formed with teeth 10, preferably in the form of blades, which define a circular succession of pockets 11 adapted to be vsuccessively placed in register with the discharge opening. This wheel is within the container and turns upon the bottoml wall thereof, the teeth ends closely approaching the cylindrical wall of the container in order that the quantities in the pockets may be accurately measured in conjunction with a levelling arcuate plate 12 carried by and withinV the container above and in register with the discharge opening and pressing upon the top of the wheel. This plate constitutes a'closure for the receiving end ofk the particular pocket 11 that is placed in`\register with the discharge opening, and is of limited extent to permit communication between the remaining pockets and the interior of the container in order that they may be filled. The plate 12 also agitates the material within the container, a function which is supplemented by the agitator bar 13 mounted to turn with-the wheel.v This bar is desirably continued upon both sides of the shaft 5. 'j f The plate 12 is formed with a depending wing portion 12 attached thereto by means of a screw 122. This portion extends toward the teeth or blades 10 which are vertically spaced apart from the plate 12 itself, and serves to reduce the height of the measured quantity of material to the height of the blades. When the portion 12is removed, it

permits larger quantities of material to remain between the blades for discharge through the discharge opening 2. The plate 12 is positioned, at its inner end, by the shaft 5 whose upper end passes through a hole in an extension of the plate. There is also a lug 123 formed upon the plate, at its outer edge, which is received .in a notch 12'* in the shoulder 125 in the base portion of thecontainer. The cylindrical portion of container 1 that is above thewheel rests upon the shoulder 125 and holds the lug 123 in the notch.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the shaft 5 is turned .in a uniform direction and is connected with the wheel to turn it in a like direction. The shaft has a head 14.1ixed thereon and received in a recess in the bottom of the wheel. The

upper end of the shaft is polygonal and en- -measuring wheel step by step by means of the actuating spring pressed pawl 16 car- .20, the measurin against the force of a spring 2() which is sov connected with the hmember 5, 17. 18 as to resist manual movement thereof in a direction that operates the ratchet 15.l A lug 21 upon the bottom of the container defines the resting position of said member. A thumb rest 22l is provided'upon .the container to facilitate the operation of the aforesaid member. Whenever this member is suiiiclently turned against the force of the spring wheel is moved one intertooth space-to brmg another measured quantity of material into register with the discharge opening. The arm 5, atthe same time, moves the closure,v plate from beneath the discharge opening so that material may be discharged from the pocket newly positioned in register with the discharge opening. When the handle bar 19 is released, the spring 20 willretract the member 5, 17, 18 to bring the plate 4 into closed position but without causing a reverse movement of the wheel, the pawl 16 escaping this wheel during the closing' movement of the plate 4. The wheel is held from any backlash movement by means of a roller 23 which is spring pressed into an .inter-tooth space of the wheel preferably by means of the spring 20, in which case this 4spring functions through an arm 24 pivoted at one end and carrying the roller at the other end.

-Three sides of the discharge opening are margined by a wall which is downwardly tapered upon its outer side by which malted milk or other dry material is prevented from caking upon the bottom of the container and around said opening. When such a wall formation is employed, I desirably provide a levelling post 25 along side of the opening that is engaged by the plate 4 when in open position so that the plate cannot tilt out of its normal horizontal plane.

The projection 26, shown in Fig. 2, may

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consist of any means adapted to the support I upon the interior wall ofthe container and projecting into the path of the resilient blades 10.

The operation of my dispenser is as follows:

The thumb, having been placed upon the thumb piece 22, and the fingers engaging the handle 19, the lever18 may be actua-ted to the left in Fig. 1, the pawl 16 (Fig.- 5) engages one of the shoulders on the wheel 15 and rotates the wheel 15. The lever 24, with its friction roller 23, is resiliently held be-` tween pairs of shoulders on the wheel 15, and on actuation of the lever 18, the spring ten sion of the spring 20, extending between the lever 18 and the lever 24, is increased, but

the motion of the wheel 15 cams the roller llfl 23 from position between the shoulders to a position upon one of the projections of thel wheel 15, after which the spring 20 forces the roller 23 into thenext notch, on the wheel 15, causingsd wheel with the associated dischargehiechanism to move with a snap ,to its final position.

D uiun the motion of the hub 9 with the resilient lades 10, the blades 10 en age the projection 26 situated adjacent t e disL charge opening, and after being rearwardly sprung by the said -nojectin,`the bladesass over it, each bla e being placed in v1- ration before it reaches the discharge opening. In order to facilitate free vibration o f the blades 10, it will be noted that they are disposed in close proximity to the ,bottom of the container but out of contact therewith, `as wellI as being out of contact with the covering plate 12- Changes may be made without departing from theinvention.

Having ythus described my invention, v I claim 1. Inf a dispenser, a container having a bottom with an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein, measuring and discharging mechanism in said container com rising a cylindrical hub journaled upon sai' post, and a lurality of resilient partitions extending ra ially from said hub.

2. In a dispenser, the combination with a container having a horizontal bottom wall formed with 4an upright discharge opening therethrough; of a horizontal closure plate for said'opening loca-ted below and engaging the closure bottom; and a swinging arm with which said plate is coupled to turn therewith and upon which plate said arm is upwardly spring pressed, said plate and arm having` pin and socket connection'in register with the discharge opening when the plate is closed and formed to permit universal swinging movement ofthe plate with reference to the'arm to enable the plate to have full engagement with the margin of said opening. f

V3. In a dispenser, the combination with a container having a horizontal bottom wall formed with an'upright,l discharge opening therethrough; o f a horizontal closure plate for said opening located below and engaging the closure bottom; and a swinging arm with which said plate is coupled to turn therewith, there being a connection between said plate and arm in register with the discharge opening when the platevis closed and formed topermit universal swinging move? ment of the plate with reference to the arm to enable the plate to have full engagement with the margin of said opening. A

4. In a dispenser, the combination with a container having a horizontal bottom wall formed with an upright discharge opening therethrough; of a horizontal` closure plate, for said opening located below and engaging the closure bottom which is formed with a wall portion mar rining said opening and which is downward y tapered upon its outer side.

5. In a dispenser, a container having a bottoni with an extending bearing post, said bottom having, a discharge aperture therein, measuring Aand discharging mechanism in said container comprising a cylindrical huh journaled upon said post, and a plurality of V resilient partitions extending radially from vsaid hub, said-.partitions bein" ot' less height than the thickness of said hu 6. In a dispenser, the combination with a container having'a horizontal bottom wall formed with an upright discharge opening therethrough; of a horizontal closure plate 'for said opening located below and engaging the closure bottom; and a swinging arm with which said plate is coupled toy turn therewith and upon which plate said arm is upwardly s ring-pressed.

7. In a ispenser, a container having a bottom with an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein, measuring and discharging mechanism in said container comprising a cylindrical hub journaled upon said post, a plurality of resilien-t partitions extending radially from said hub, said partitions being of less height than the thickness of said hub, and means for leveling the charge between said partii ios comprising a Wall extending below said u 8. In a dispenser, a container having a bottom with an `extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein,

measuring and discharging .mechanism Ain said container comprising a cylindrical hub journaled upon said post, a plurality of resilient partitions extending radially from *said hub, said partitions being of less height -than the thickness of said hub, and an actuating shaft extending through saidbearing post supporting said hub and partitions, out of contact butin close proximity to said bottom.

9. In a dispenser, a container having a bottom with an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein, measuring and discharging mechanism in said container comprising a cylindrical hub journaled upon-said post, a pluralitl'y of resilient partitions extending radial y from said hub, said partitions being of less height than the thickness of said hub, and an actuating shaft extending through said bearing post supporting said hub and partitions, out of Contactv but in close proximity to said bottom, said shaft having `a non-'circular portion engaging a. similar aperturein said hub to key said shaft and hub together,l

/1 0 In 'a dispensera containerhaving a iso bottom with an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein, measuring and discharging mechanism 1n said container .comprising va cylindrical hub' journaled upon said post, a plurality l'of resilient partitions extending radially jfrom said hub, said partitions beiner of less heightl than the thickness of said hu an actuating shaft extendin through said bearing lpost supporting said hub and partitions, out of contact but in close proximity to said bottoni, and a shield plate of substantially `said chambers from yfilling when in discharging lposition.

11. In la dispenser, a container having a bottom with'an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein,

` measurinrr and dischar ine mechanism in said container comprising a cylindrical hub journaled upon said post, a plurality of resilient partitions extending radially from said hub, said partitions being of less height than the thickness of said hub, and an actuating shaft extending through 'said bearing ill-l post supportinor said hub and partitions, out of contact but 1n close proximity to said bottom, said container having an annular shoulder above said partitions to support a second container, said shoulder being shaped to receive and support a shield plate flush with its upper edge.

12." In a dispenser, a container having a bottom with an extending bearing post, said bottom having a discharge aperture therein,

lmeasuring and discharging mechanism in said container comprising a cylindrical hub journaled upon said post, a plurality of resilient partitions extending radially from said hub, said partitions being of less height than the thickness of said hub, an actuating shaft extending through said bearing post supporting said hub and partitions, out of contact but in close\proximity to said bottom, said container having an annular shoulder above said partitions to support a second container, said, shoulder being shaped to receive and support a shield plate flush with its upper edge, and a shield. plate of substantially larger area than that required to cover the chamber between two partitions supported by said shoulder, and having an aperture loosely'receiving said shaft.

13. In ay dispenser, a container having a discharge aperture in its bottom and a yseating surface bounding said aperture, a shaft journaled in said bottom and a lever supported on said shaft, said lever supporting for universal movement a sliding closure for said aperture. l

14. Ina dispenser, al container having a discharge aperture in'its bottom and afseatving surface bounding said a erture, ashaft journaled in said bottom, a. ever su ported on said shaft, said lever supporting for .universal movement a sliding closure for said a crture, and resilient means urging said c osure against said seating surface.

1,5. In a dispenser, a container having a discharge aperture .in its bottom and a seating sur ace bounding said aperture, av shaft joui-naled'in said bottom, a lever su ported on said shaft, said lever supporting or universal movement a sliding closure for said aperture, and a lurality of strrups on said lever limiting t e universal movement of said closure. f

16. In a dispenser, a container having a discharge aperture in its bottom/and a seating surface bounding said aperture, a shaft journaled in said bottom, a lever su ported on said shaft, said lever supporting or universal movement a sliding closure for said aperture` a plurality of strrups on vsaid 1ever limitingthe universal movement of said closure, and a projecting surface upon said bottom for engaging and supporting said closure When in open position.

17 In a dispenser, a container having a i discharge aperture in its bottom and a seating surface bounding said aperture, a shaft journaled in said bottom, a lever supported on saidy shaft, said lever supporting for universal movement a sliding. closure for said aperture, anda spring on said shaft to urge,

said lever'and closure against said seat.

18. In a dispenser, a container having a discharge aperture in its bottom and aseating surface boundingisaid aperture, a' shaft journaled in said bottom, a, lever supported on said shaft, said lever supporting for uni. versal movement a sliding closure for said aperture, a spring on said shaft to urge said lever and closure against said seat, and a diametrical extension on said leverin sliding contact with said bottom to serve as a fulcrum for the sliding movement of said lever on said shaft.

19. In a dispenser, a container havingv .measuring/and discharging mechanism With- 1n the same, a shaft. journaled in a Wall ofy said container to aetuate said mechanism, a Wheelhaving a vplurality7 of shoulders,r said Wheel beingixed on said shaft, an actuating leverrotatively supported on said shaftand having a spring pawl to engage said shoulders, and a friction rolleradapted to resiliently,n engage betweenJ 'pairs of said shoulders.

20. -In a dispenser, a container having measuring and discharging mechanism Within the same, a shaft journaled awall of said container'htoactuate said mechanism, a Wheel having a plurality of shoulders, said Wheel being ixe'dv on said shaft,`an actuating lever rotatively supported on said shaft and having a pivoted cam lever engaging between said shoulders, stop means for said actuating lever, and resilient means ten-" sioned between said cam lever and said actuating lever.

21. In a dispenser, a container having measuring and discharging mechanism within the same, a shaft journaled in a wall of said container to actuate said mechanism, a wheel having a plurality of shoulders, said wheel being fixed on said shaft, an actuat ing lever rotatively supported on said shaft and having a pivoted cam lever engaging Y between said shoulders, stop means for said actuating lever, resilient means tensioned between said cam lever and said actuatin lever, a transverse handle on said lever, an a thumb rest on said container to facilitate actuation of said lever.

- In witness whereof, I hereunto subscribe my name.

HARRISON D. FLEGEL. 

